I could tell you how many steps make up the streets rising like stairways, and of the degree of the arcades' curves, and what kind of zinc scales cover the roofs; but I already know this would be the same as telling you nothing. The city does not consist of this, but of relationships between the measurements of its space and the events of its past...A description of Zaira as it is today should contain all Zaira's past. -Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities

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Search Engine Optimization

I was in a teleconference the other day, where a new web site was being demoed. What was interesting to me was that the vendor kept pointing out elements that were on the page for Search Engine Optimization. I admit to knowing very little about SEO, besides how important it is for driving traffic, especially on a retail site. I think was intrigued me was that these elements were big chunks of text that were visually unappealing...in other words, good for driving traffic, not so good for visual design.

I suppose if you have found what you are looking for, appearances don't much affect stickiness (and because of SEO lots of sites are starting to look like this), but where is the balance with good design?

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About Me

Welcome to my blog. I am a practicing anthropologist, and my musings are a reflection of my interests, which include anthropology, design, innovation, workpractice, uses of new media, and the consumer experience. I take a special interest in research methods and ways of collaborating, though what attracts my attention falls into a very broad spectrum. Sometimes I also just feel a need to write about what is going on in my life. While I work for Pitney Bowes, the views I express here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my company.